Legal Trends to Watch in 2016

Hosted By: OESA and Warner

Location: MSU Management Education Center, 811 W. Square Lake Rd., Troy, MI 48068

On February 16, 2016, OESA and Warner LLP will present “Legal Trends to Watch in 2016,” an executive breakfast briefing for in-house counsel and executives from automotive supplier companies.  The program will provide highlights of legal topics trending in the industry, and identify tools and resources to help your company navigate the legal challenges ahead.

Warner Automotive Industry Group attorneys Tom Manganello, Michael Brady, Linda Paullin-Hebden, Greg DeGrazia, Jeena Patel and Steve Palazzolo will discuss the following topics:

OEM Supply Chain Trends  
Suppliers continue to grapple with warranty claims, recall risks, distressed suppliers and volume fluctuations. Suppliers will hear about proper positioning from a risk management and contracting perspective to proactively manage as these issues surface in 2016 and beyond.

Technology trends – Joint Agreements and IP Ownership  
Speculation about Ford Motor Company and Google joining forces in the development of a new autonomous vehicle is just one example of technology partnerships that may have beneficial market results for both parties.  Many suppliers may not want a partnership that might preclude them from doing business with other manufacturers or technology providers.  Given the complexity of technology on the horizon, suppliers may have no choice but to enter into joint development programs.  Warner attorneys will discuss options to develop clear ownership of jointly developed intellectual property.

Antitrust Enforcement Trends
The Department of Justice’s auto parts investigation, which has been going on for several years now, is not over.  The DOJ, as well as the European Commission and other authorities continue to investigate auto suppliers for potential price fixing and bid rigging.  Suppliers need to be prepared for investigators to show up at their offices, or even at the homes of supplier executives.  Attendees will learn about proactive steps suppliers should be taking now.  

Employment – Independent Contractors
In July of 2015, the Administrator for the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor issued a statement clarifying the standards for when a worker is considered an independent contractor. WNJ attorneys will interpret these changes for suppliers and share insight into industry trends.

Mergers and Acquisitions Trends
We will discuss “market” terms in an M&A transaction based upon deals closed in recent years and will examine predictions for M&A trends in 2016. Presenters will review earn-outs, hold-backs, indemnities and other important terms that often affect the purchase price.  Predictions for M & A trends for 2016 will also be examined.

Attendees can expect to hear short presentations in quick succession, walking away with relevant and timely information.  

For registration assistance, contact Felece Hickman at 248.430.5957 or fhickman@oesa.org. Meeting details and registration information are available in the events section of http://www.oesa.org.